Fewer traffic jams bother HCM City

Traffic jam during peak hour in a road of HCM City. The number of traffic jams of more than 30 minutes in the city has fallen except in peak hours, festivals and city's gates. — Photo vnexpress.net

HCM CITY (VNS) — The number of traffic jams of more than 30 minutes in HCM City has fallen except in peak hours, festivals and city's gates, the deputy head of the municipal Traffic Safety Committee has said.

"The number of traffic accidents and motorbike races at night has fallen but serious accidents related to containers and trucks are causing concern," Nguyen Ngoc Tuong was quoted as saying in the Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Sai Gon) newspaper.

By the end of 2014, nine sites accounted for the highest number of accidents.

The municipal Transport Department in co-operation with Traffic Police and local authorities have increased patrols and given severe fines. They have also promoted awareness among local residents, and solved technical problems.

While traffic jams no longer exist at the nine sites, two new sites in District 9 now have traffic congestion.

The city plans to invest in transport solutions to solve the problem at the two sites.

From now to the end of this year, the municipal Traffic Safety Committee will promote education about traffic safety through the media.

The Committee will also work closely with authorities to tighten traffic management and control vehicle weight.

"We will broadcast commercials and adverts about driving in the correct lane, and the importance of quality helmets. A new programme on drunk driving will also begin," Tuong added.

Traffic patrols will also increase in certain areas.

"Co-operation to ensure traffic safety will be enhanced among city departments, including healthcare, education and vocational training, science and technology as well as authorities in 24 districts," he said. — VNS